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How Long Term Care Can Wreck Your Retirement

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:00:29 +0000

For all the emotional stress a long term care stay can cause, the financial strain can be equally as disturbing. Despite decades-long diligent saving, an uninsured nursing home stay can wipe out a substantial amount of a retiree's net worth. Although many think Medicare or Medicaid will help them stave off financial hardship, the truth is far grimmer. Learn how long term care can wreck your retirement if you aren't careful.

What Changes Do You Think Are Going to Be Made to Social Security?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:00:23 +0000

As a result of the recent debt deal, everything - even Social Security - will be on the table as a possible way to close the enormous budget gap.

Is Paying Your Mortgage Like Saving for Retirement?

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:39 +0000

For most people, a mortgage is their biggest monthly bill. Although few realize it at first, their mortgage also represents one of their biggest savings each month. Since a part - a growing part - of every mortgage payment represents the repayment of principal, part of that big monthly bill is actually savings. At the end of the typical 30-year mortgage, you'll own your home free and clear. Depending on what happens to the value of your home over that time, you might find yourself with quite an asset.

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Which Political Party Has it Right for Future Retirees?

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:00:08 +0000

Many of your Congressional representatives have been forced to show their true color as a result of the bickering and bartering over the new debt deal. With that in mind, which political party do you think is doing the right thing for current retirees? (I asked a very similar question about current retirees in a past poll.)

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The Importance of Rebalancing

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:00:06 +0000

It's impossible to predict the financial markets. Why? Sure, economists can do a good job explaining what has already happened. But with millions of variables, it's impossible to credibly and repeatedly predict how things will move going forward. Does that mean you should give up on trying to do the smart thing with you investments?

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The New Debt Deal and Social Security � Should Your Retirement Planning Change Due to the New Debt Deal?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:00:34 +0000

With the debt deal behind us, it's time to pick up the pieces and ask the question: "What happened?" As it turns out, very little was accomplished, at least as it pertains to the specifics of future changes. While most of the hard work has been delayed a short while, certain decisions were made. One clear line in the sand was the carving out of Social Security from any automatic reduction in spending. (The same cannot be said for Medicare). Still, as I discuss in Should Your Retirement Planning Change Due to the New Debt Deal? you can expect major changes in the near term to Social Security.

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The New Debt Deal and Medicare � Should Your Retirement Planning Change Due to the New Debt Deal?

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:00:54 +0000

After months of anticipation, the new debt deal was finally passed and signed by President Obama. Despite voluminous rhetoric, shockingly little was decided by the legislation. Instead, most difficult decisions were passed on to the future. Still, some portions of the budget have become more likely to be affected than others. One leading target is Medicare.

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Which Political Party Has it Right for Current Retirees?

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:59 +0000

Many of your Congressional representatives have been forced to show their true color as a result of the bickering and bartering over the new debt deal. With that in mind, which political party do you think is doing the right thing for current retirees? (I'll ask a very similar question about future retirees in a future poll.)

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Savings Accounts � Advantages of Savings Accounts

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:00:10 +0000

When the stock market is flying to new heights, no one wants to talk about savings accounts. Yet when the stock market has a couple of consecutive down days, many people's interest in savings accounts increases. Of course, the day-to-day gyrations of the stock market should have no impact on the importance of savings accounts to either your short-term financial plan or your long-term retirement plan.

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Why Not Increase Your 401k Contribution?

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:00:15 +0000

The dog days of summer are here. In most of the country, it's hot. I hope you're enjoying the warmth. The summer is also a time of year people have more time to think. The longer days means more time outside and less television indoors. Summer means more time grilling and, hopefully, less time grabbing fast food.

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